Some would love a vacation. Others want to donate to charity. And one fantasizes about crafting and eating a movie monster made out of fruit preserves. The average federal income tax refund was $2,790 as of March 29, so we asked San Antonio notables how they’d earmark about $3,000 from Uncle Sam. We received a variety of responses, from the benevolent to the bizarre. Here’s a look:

Some would love a vacation. Others want to donate to charity. And one fantasizes about crafting and eating a movie monster made out of fruit preserves. The average federal income tax refund was $2,790 as of

Diane Gottsman: “One of the best parties I ever had was several years ago when my husband threw me a surprise party in the back patio at La Fonda on Main. If I had an extra $2,900, I would do it all over again at the same place. I’d invite the exact same people, use the same menu and surprise HIM this time. And if there was any money left over, I would buy myself a spa treatment as a perk for being so darn thoughtful!”

Diane Gottsman: “One of the best parties I ever had was several years ago when my husband threw me a surprise party in the back patio at La Fonda on Main. If I had an extra $2,900, I would do it all over

Diane Gottsman: “One of the best parties I ever had was... Photo-4472238.60362 - San Antonio Express-News

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How would Beverly Houston, leader of the band Breezin', soul, R&B and jazz singer recently named the "Jazzy Queen" of Fiesta 2013, spend $3,000?

How would Beverly Houston, leader of the band Breezin', soul, R&B and jazz singer recently named the "Jazzy Queen" of Fiesta 2013, spend $3,000?

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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Beverly Houston: “Who gets a tax refund? I don’t. I pay every year. I remember tax refunds, but that was a long time ago. If I did get a tax refund, I’d probably catch a plane and go somewhere and listen to some music. And I’d go however far that tax refund would take me.”

Beverly Houston: “Who gets a tax refund? I don’t. I pay every year. I remember tax refunds, but that was a long time ago. If I did get a tax refund, I’d probably catch a plane and go somewhere and listen

How would Nolan Yonkman, San Antonio Rampage defenseman and team captain, spend $3,000?

How would Nolan Yonkman, San Antonio Rampage defenseman and team captain, spend $3,000?

Photo: Bob Owen / San Antonio Express-News

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Nolan Yonkman: “Throughout the season we have several Face-Off Against Kids Cancer events, and I think I’d donate a large chunk of the money to the program and the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. I would also donate a portion to the local Pets Alive! Animal Shelter to support the cause of making San Antonio a no-kill city.”

PHOTO: San Antonio Rampage players pose for a group photo with their Face-Off Against Kids Cancer buddies from the Children's Hospital of San Antonio in January 2012.

Nolan Yonkman: “Throughout the season we have several Face-Off Against Kids Cancer events, and I think I’d donate a large chunk of the money to the program and the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. I

Michael Valdes: “I drive an 11-year-old Isuzu Trooper that probably needs about $3,000 of work. That’s only because I want to keep it for my son (Isaiah) for it to be his first car. So it has to last me three more years. That’s exactly what I would do, because right now I don’t have $3,000 to fix up that car.”

PHOTO: This is the 2002 Isuzu Trooper, the last year that the vehicles were made. This bodystyle represented the second-generation Trooper, which was introduced in 1992.

Michael Valdes: “I drive an 11-year-old Isuzu Trooper that probably needs about $3,000 of work. That’s only because I want to keep it for my son (Isaiah) for it to be his first car. So it has to last me

Michael Sohocki: "First I would take my old pickup to the mechanic and get my passenger side door unlocked. I'd absolve my staff of all the broken glassware. Then I would give the rest to Pedro of My Father's Farm, so he can get his greenhouse going."

Michael Sohocki: "First I would take my old pickup to the mechanic and get my passenger side door unlocked. I'd absolve my staff of all the broken glassware. Then I would give the rest to Pedro of My Father's

Danielle Robinson: "I am a shoe fanatic and one of my favorite things about going back to school was getting new sneakers. I would use that money to buy back-to-school shoes for kids around San Antonio who can't afford them, because I think everyone should be able to look forward to that experience."

PHOTO: Children from South San Filadelfia Church are given new shoes on Christmas Day 2011.

Danielle Robinson: "I am a shoe fanatic and one of my favorite things about going back to school was getting new sneakers. I would use that money to buy back-to-school shoes for kids around San Antonio who

Vikki Carr: "I would give it to a charity that is near and dear to my heart. Being able to help others is the most fun for me!"

Vikki Carr: "I would give it to a charity that is near and dear to my heart. Being able to help others is the most fun for me!"

Photo: ULTRA.F / Getty Images

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How would Linda Hardberger, former San Antonio first lady (seen here with husband and former mayor Phil Hardberger), spend $3,000?

How would Linda Hardberger, former San Antonio first lady (seen here with husband and former mayor Phil Hardberger), spend $3,000?

Photo: Helen L. Montoya / San Antonio Express-News

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Linda Hardberger: “Phillip would use his refund for bodybuilding classes and I’d also choose a physical use for my money — ballet lessons. It will take a great deal more money to achieve our goals — a four-pack for Phillip and to teach me to do a plié, but it will be a start.”

Heloise: "I'd take a trip with David, my husband, to Tahiti! We were there once and it's absolutely charming. We'd fly first class (I'm sure I'd have to use my miles for an upgrade) and stay in a bungalow by the beach. No cellphones! Of course, I'd have shipped five to 10 of my favorite books I love reading, or re-reading. We would have Cabbie, our very smart and sweet mini-Schnauzer, who would have a 'dog nanny' so we could just pick up, get on a scooter and go!!"

Heloise: "I'd take a trip with David, my husband, to Tahiti! We were there once and it's absolutely charming. We'd fly first class (I'm sure I'd have to use my miles for an upgrade) and stay in a bungalow by

How would Crystal Shedrock, president of "Doctor Who" Fans Unite, spend $3,000?

How would Crystal Shedrock, president of "Doctor Who" Fans Unite, spend $3,000?

Photo: Leland A. Outz / For The San Antonio Express-News

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Crystal Shedrock: "An orange Dalek (a member of the race of evil aliens in shells that look like giant salt shakers in 'Doctor Who,' the British science fiction television series). Because that's (one of) our colors for the group; we're black and orange."

Crystal Shedrock: "An orange Dalek (a member of the race of evil aliens in shells that look like giant salt shakers in 'Doctor Who,' the British science fiction television series). Because that's (one of) our

Steve Dutton: “I would donate the money to the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation. The TCCF will give over $300,000 this year to 41 area children’s charities, plus an additional $500,000 will be raised in partnership with our charities through the TCCF matching program. San Antonio is a great city and there are numerous excellent organizations that are helping the less fortunate children in our community.”

Steve Dutton: “I would donate the money to the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation. The TCCF will give over $300,000 this year to 41 area children’s charities, plus an additional $500,000 will be raised